Announced at the annual PRI show, Pella, Iowa’s own Chase Van Sant will take over the riding reigns of a NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle in 2023.
Van Sant will take over the ride for White Alligator Racing, a team that he’s been working closely with the past season. With backing from his families company, Trick Tools, Van Sant will not only make his debut with the NHRA but has plans to run the entire 2023 campaign.
“The opportunity to run Pro Stock Motorcycle has been something I have dreamed of for as long as I can remember,” Van Sant told Always Race Day. “To make the announcement and get ready to run the full season is a surreal feeling.”
Silently Van Sant has been one of the best up and coming riders in the world of motorcycle drag racing. He’s a couple years removed from winning a big money race. This race helped put his name further on the map. That led to joining forces with Jerry Savoie. Spending the majority of 2022 testing and working the crew, Van Sant will now get his opportunity to ride.
Savoie, owner of WAR, has stepped up to help Van Sant achieve a lifelong dream. Winning 14 times in 32 final rounds, Van Sant has no better teacher. The 2016 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion will help usher in the next generation of racer in 2023.
Not only has Van Sant worked alongside Savoie, but another resource on his side is PSM legend Karen Stoffer. She has won 11 times on the NHRA circuit.
“The whole White Alligator Racing team is an outstanding group of guys and a strong team. I couldn’t be more excited about being part of this team,” Van Sant said.
Growing up in Pella, Van Sant started his career at Eddyville Raceway Park. He began, as many do today, in the Jr. Drag Racing scene at Eddyville. After a successful run in the junior ranks, Van Sant would follow in his father, Bruce’s footsteps and start riding motorcycles. Chase grew as a rider and eventually worked his way to an ultimate goal, ride in the NHRA.
“Trick-Tools will be my sponsor for the entire year. I really couldn’t do this deal without my dad,” Van Sant said. “I’m so excited I get to do this with him and that really makes it special for me.”
In addition to being a racer, Van Sant was a standout track and field athlete at University of Northern Iowa. However, it’s racing where his dreams lay and he’s followed those ever since. Now Van Sant will look to live out that dream in 2023 and have a great opportunity to compete from day one.
The 2023 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season kicks off at Gainesville, Florida.
